“Estupenda Graca” is a rare entry in the Metheny catalog in that the title, Portuguese for “Stupendous Grace,” actually matches the mood of the song. With Pat and Lyle providing a series of gently unfolding arpeggios, Nana Vasconcelos sings a lovely meditation. At under three minutes long, the song feels like a lullabye. I never get tired of Vasconcelos voice, wordlessly imparting so much emotion.
As Wichita Falls‘s conclusion, I’ve often gotten the feeling that “Estupenda Graca” was being sung back to rest of the album, one piece of music communicating with its neighbors.
Next up: Barcarole kicks off the incredible Offramp LP
Mark Saleski is a writer and music obsessive based out of the woods of central New Hampshire. A past contributor to Jazz.com, Blogcritics.org and Salon, he originated several of our weekly features including the Friday Morning Listen, (Cross the) Heartland, WTF! Wednesday, and Sparks Fly on E Street. Follow him on Twitter: @msaleski. Contact Something Else! at [email protected].
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